Train schedules open through to June 2028 season

SERVICE UPDATE
Train Schedules Extended to June 2028. Please review operating days and planned maintenance closures when arranging travel.

Northern Explorer

Operating Days

  • Northbound: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
  • Southbound: Monday, Thursday & Saturday

Scheduled Track Maintenance

Auckland to Hamilton - bus replacement

  • 6-9 November 2026

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 25 December 2026-11 January 2027
  • 26-29 March 2027
  • 23-26 April 2027
  • 4-7 June 2027
  • 25-28 June 2027
  • 25 August 2027
  • 22-25 October 2027
  • 24 December 2027-11 January 2028

Coastal Pacific

Operating Days

  • 1 Sep 2026 – 30 Apr 2027: Daily
  • 1 May 2027 - 31 Aug 2027: Not operating
  • 1 Sep 2027 - 30 Apr 2028: Daily

Note: The Coastal Pacific does not operate on Christmas Day.

TranzAlpine

Operating Days

  • 14 July 2026 – 30 June 2028: Daily

Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.

Scheduled Track Maintenance

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 24–26 Oct 2026
  • 26-29 Mar 2027
  • 23-30 May 2027
  • 25-28 Jun 2027
  • 25-27 Sep 2027
  • 23-26 Oct 2027
  • 14-17 Apr 2028
  • 21-28 May 2028

 

Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:

  • Personal mobile device
  • Headphones
  • USB charging cable

Download the free app before travel. Full content becomes available once connected to onboard Wi-Fi.


For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.

Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.

For assistance and reservations during our opening hours, contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone.  To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.

Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time: 

Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment -           0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand: 
+61 1800 359 729      Australia Toll-free
+1   855 413 3019    USA Toll-free
+1   866 554 0304    Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106     United Kingdom Toll-free

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Train Services

  • Train Services
  • The Northern Explorer
  • The Coastal Pacific
  • The Tranz Alpine
  • National Train Timetable
  • Major Railway Stations
  • Regional Train Services
  • Local Trains

New Zealand long distance passenger train services

Northern Explorer: Auckland-Wellington-Auckland train service
The Northern Explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island - travelling between Auckland, New Zealand's largest city - home of the Sky Tower, through the central heartland of the North Island to Wellington - New Zealand's harbour capital and arts and culture centre. Read more

Coastal Pacific: Christchurch–Picton–Christchurch train service
The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - to Kaikoura - the home of whale watching and onto Christchurch - the South Island's largest city. Read more

Tranz Alpine: Christchurch–Greymouth–Christchurch train service
The Tranz Alpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Read more

 

Enjoy the Scenic Class experience onboard with a range of fresh food and beverages available from the café car. Seating is comfortable '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' reclining seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating - great for families, small groups or meeting new friends.

Regional passenger train services in New Zealand
Alongside the three long distance passenger train services in New Zealand there are also two regional passenger train services.

  • The Capital Connection train operates between Wellington and Palmerston North Monday to Friday
  •  The Wairapapa Connection train operates between Wellington and Masterton seven days a week

There are no overnight regional or long distance passenger train services in New Zealand.

Travel to other major tourist destinations in New Zealand is by scenic bus and coach services from either Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch or Greymouth.

 

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